A Royal Air Force aircraft has declared an emergency over Wiltshire and has so far spent around two hours circling the Warminster area.
The Airbus A400M Atlas C.1, operating under the call sign RRR4952 and registration ZM417, took off from MOD Boscombe Down earlier this afternoon (Monday).
The transport aircraft declared an emergency at around 2.30pm and was still circling above the Warminster area at 4.30pm.
Information suggests the aircraft is remaining airborne to burn fuel while those on board consider diverting to Bournemouth Airport in Dorset.
It is understood that the crew are awaiting advice from engineers at Ascot before deciding what action to take next.
The exact nature of the reported fault on board remains unclear.
The Atlas C.1 is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft used by the RAF to move personnel, equipment and supplies around the world.
The aircraft entered RAF service in 2014 and is capable of carrying up to 37 tonnes of cargo or accommodating 116 passengers.
It can transport heavy military vehicles, helicopters and oversized equipment, as well as operating from short or unprepared runways.
The aircraft is normally based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, but Atlas operations have temporarily relocated to Boscombe Down in Wiltshire while runway resurfacing work takes place at the base.
UPDATE 4.50PM: RRR4952 is currently circling Bournemouth Airport, an A400M maintenance hub.
It’s understood the aircraft suffered a technical complication, which is described as “minor” by MOD sources.
